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It’s hard to get into the Christmas spirit in Egypt, despite the nurseries on the corners selling poinsettias and ‘Christmas trees’ which are just cleverly pruned bushes. We went to our branch Christmas party the other night though, and it helped some. Everyone wore their Egyptian gallabayyias and instead of turkey and ham, we had roasted chicken, tahina, hummus, and koshari.

I got there a little early to help set up the Christmas tree. Finn helped too:

After dinner, Santa paid a visit. We were excited to get Finn’s first picture with Santa. Finn, however, was not as excited as we were:

Despite Finn’s obvious distrust, Santa gave him a stuffed ferret anyways. We’ve named him Michael Semper:

We also had a talent show, which was fantastic. There were the usual musical numbers (Patrick played one of my favorites, Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella) but there were also just fun skits. Lydia got up as Vincent Van GoGo and made a living painting which branch members acting crazy. Caitlin sang “I Can See Clearly Now” with her mouth closed. It’s hard to explain how she did it, except that it was freakin’ creepy. Then, the entire branch split into the 12 Egyptian Days of Christmas and had a sing-a-long complete with actions. People also say the church is the same everywhere, but I disagree. There is nothing like the Cairo branch!

For your enjoyment, the last verse of our song (written by Jill Barton):

Am I bad person for laughing out loud at Finn’s picture with Santa? We have a Santa at Satan’s Super-center, aka Wal-Mart, and whenever I walk by there is a kid crying or screaming and a parent shoving the child into Santa’s arms. Just thought I’d let you know, you’re not the only ones who have forced their terrified children into Santa’s arms. Love the song as well.

Am I so into vacation mode that I haven’t a clue who Michael Semper is and why you named a stuffed ferret after him?
The picture of Finn with Santa is classic. We have an identical one of Emily and Hannah. Straight out of “The Christmas Story” and should be featured in your Christmas cards this year and every year hereafter.

Semper has the same stuffed ferret although we always said it was a weasel because Semper is a weasel (in a good way). I e-mailed him the picture of Finn and he responded “eagles may soar, but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines.”

I think most parents end up with a Santa picture like that one. Our 4 year old sat on Santa’s lap without screaming for the first time this year, so it can take a while. She never did like people with facial hair.

You know, I think I would be a little unnerved if my parents tried to shove me onto some strange guy’s lap too!